
Cromer RNLI launched to a report of a yacht in distress
Cromer ALB (all-weather lifeboat) Lester was tasked by Humber Coastguard at 9:56pm on Thursday 1st June to a report of a yacht in distress.
The volunteer crew swiftly mustered and the ALB launched at 10:05pm and made best speed to the reported location.
Having located the vessel, once on scene, Coxswain Paul Watling fully assessed the situation and ascertained the wellbeing of the crew on board. He decided the safest course of action was to tow the casualty vessel towards Grimsby. Despite very difficult sea conditions the Cromer crew were able to take the casualty vessel under tow.
Having advised Humber Coastguard, the Coastguard then tasked Humber’s ALB - Pride of the Humber - to rendezvous with Cromer’s ALB at a rendezvous point east of deep water anchorage. Humber launched at 3:24am and at the handover location Cromer’s ALB dropped tow and Humber’s ALB connected and headed to Grimsby.
Cromer ALB returned to station at 7:55am however the sea was too rough to recover the lifeboat to the station so the lifeboat headed to Lowestoft where it arrived safely at 9:45am. The ALB was passaged back to Cromer this morning (Saturday) and placed on service at 12:58pm.
Humber Lifeboat safely towed the yacht and its crew to Grimsby arriving at the fish docks at 10:45am. The lifeboat was refuelled and ready for service shortly thereafter.
Paul Watling, Coxswain at RNLI Cromer said: ‘This was an extremely challenging situation in difficult seas and at night. Our crew were out at sea for nearly 12 hours - which is both mentally and physically tiring. However our extensive training prepares us for difficult situations, and to work together to ensure our safety and that of the casualty vessel and crew. It is also an example of how we worked as a team with the HM Coastguard and our colleagues at RNLI Humber to locate and safely return the stricken vessel and its crew to shore’
RNLI Media contacts
For more information, please contact Clare Stagg, Cromer Lifeboat Press Officer: [email protected] or telephone: 07866 436464
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The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.
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